Archive: Around Town

“We are thrilled to be in a position to actively seek out little dogs from LA!” says Jim Bouderau, executive director of the SPCA of Tompkins County.

Twice in 2012 the SPCA of Tompkins County was contacted by Best Friends Animal Society’s Los Angeles branch and was asked to help rescue small dogs who were likely to be euthanized at LA municipal shelters and 40 little (under 25 pound, many Chihuahuas and other small breeds) are already in new homes in Tompkins County and the surrounding area.  This time was different:

“I looked around our dog wing and we only had 4 dogs," Bouderau says.  "The weather forecast was for record temperatures the weekend of the 12th and we were in a perfect position to actually call Best Friends and ask for 20 little dogs. They immediately arranged transport and we were thrilled with the little ones who arrived safely at JFK on the 13th.


“We are so pleased to have been able to bring these little dogs to Tompkins County.  The residents of Tompkins County respond so enthusiastically whenever we are able to bring in pets or have other situations when we get an influx of a large number of pets.

“It is easy to forget about the many communities that still have traditional shelters where about 70% of the animals who enter their doors don’t make it out.  The stories we have heard, pictures we have seen, and the scope of the problem is unsettling. We could not be more thrilled to help these animals have a second chance at a new life.”

The SPCA of Tompkins County is focused almost entirely on saving lives within Tompkins County. The desire to help is strong, but the SPCA simply does not have funds for endeavors like this.

Bouderau went on to say, “Best Friends, through their generosity and mission, and partnership with American Airlines, has once again picked up ALL costs associated with this transfer. The dogs have come to us fully vaccinated as well as spayed/neutered so that the internal costs to the shelter are minimal.”

A dozen of the small dogs are still available for adoption including Kamilah, Sally Stardust, Tifanny, Chenille, Blitzen, Bubbly, Lambada, Domino, Tibby, Femi, tell and Mila, all pictured here. Potential adopters may visit the dogs during any hours the shelter is open. The adoption fee for the small dogs is $250, plus the cost of a town dog license.

The SPCA of Tompkins County is a no-kill shelter dedicated to preventing animal cruelty and overpopulation.

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